Before embarking on their four-week European vacation, my hosts issued a stern warning about their dog’s peculiar habit of sniffing out discarded marijuana butts and other potentially dangerous substances. This kept me on high alert during our daily walks through their Santa Cruz neighborhood. Having accumulated 22 five-star pet sitting reviews, I wasn’t one to slack off. One day, as we prepared to cross the street, the pup snatched up something I couldn’t immediately identify.
“Drop it!” I commanded, my heart rate quickening.
She chomped down, sending bursts of an unidentifiable white powder from both sides of her mouth before spitting a small foil packet onto the sidewalk. My panic surged. Visions of a frantic race to the emergency veterinarian replaced my plans for a leisurely stroll. We raced back to the house, where I grabbed a pair of rubber gloves and carefully opened the crushed foil packet. Barely legible, a few words offered immense relief: “Non-dairy creamer.” Phew.
The Daily Realities of a Professional Pet Sitter
This unexpected incident perfectly illustrates the varied responsibilities and quick thinking often required when you Work As A Pet Sitter. As a full-time traveling house and pet sitter, I’ve cared for 18 dogs, 14 cats, several gardens, three hermit crabs, two turtles, and one sourdough starter – mostly without drama, thankfully. My journeys have taken me over 6,000 miles up and down the West Coast, from the sun-drenched vineyards of San Luis Obispo, California, to the rocky shores of San Juan Island, Washington, visiting 23 towns along the way. While I typically prefer longer stays of at least a few weeks, I’ve been known to take shorter opportunities for the right experience. One memorable example was a stunning seaside home overlooking Agate Passage on Bainbridge Island, Washington, where my payment was simply feeding a 17-year-old black Maine Coon cat named Salem, who largely chose to ignore my presence.
Providing comprehensive dog home care services and personalized attention is at the heart of what I do. It’s not just about feeding; it’s about understanding each pet’s quirks, habits, and potential vulnerabilities. This intimate understanding ensures that owners can enjoy their time away with complete peace of mind, knowing their beloved companions are in capable, caring hands.
Pet sitter holding a dog leash, dog looking curious at the ground in a neighborhood street, illustrating a typical day when you work as a pet sitter.
From Wanderlust to Pet Sitting: Discovering a Unique Lifestyle
My passion for travel began early. My dad introduced me to Hawaii at age six, and later, at 15, he supported my high school trip to what was then the Soviet Union. In my 20s, I explored the US in a Volkswagen bus for three months, visiting dozens of national parks, and in my 30s, I led a group of teenagers on an academic trip through Italy and Greece. As a single mom who eventually became an empty nester, I found myself working remotely with the time and opportunity to travel freely once more – but my budget was the limiting factor.
Learning about house and pet sitting in exchange for accommodations proved to be a pivotal moment. It was a game-changer for my travel aspirations. After researching various platforms, I decided to invest $135 in a basic annual membership with TrustedHousesitters, a global community offering over 7,000 house and pet sitting opportunities. Within days, I had secured my first weekend stay with two cats in a charming seaside town just a short drive and ferry ride from Seattle. After a video call with the homeowners, I was all set, arriving after they had departed for their trip. The initial steps of starting a pet sitting business can seem daunting, but platforms like these simplify the entry.
That first experience was adequate, but not stellar. The cats were undemanding, and the garden was beautiful, but the house felt a bit neglected, and the guest room lacked warmth. Since then, I’ve refined my approach, applying only to properties with numerous photos and excellent reviews from other sitters. I also make it a point to ask thorough questions during introductory video calls, ensuring a better fit for both myself and the homeowners.
The Financial Freedom and Perks of Working as a Pet Sitter Full-Time
As a freelance writer, I spent the next few months traveling around the Puget Sound on shorter sits, steadily building my reputation with positive reviews from pet owners. This period also sharpened my packing and organizational skills, which are crucial for this nomadic lifestyle.
The more time I spent away from home, the harder it became to justify paying nearly $2,500 a month for rent. When I eventually lost my job, the decision was clear: I gave up my apartment, put my belongings in storage, and hit the road full-time.
In the year that followed, I saved almost $30,000 in rent while experiencing luxury waterfront homes that would otherwise be beyond my reach. I’ve enjoyed private beaches, cooked in chef’s kitchens, relaxed in outdoor hot tubs, indulged in Swedish saunas, and expertly avoided eye contact with intimidating in-home gyms. Comparable accommodations booked through platforms like Airbnb would have likely cost more than $70,000, but in exchange for my services to work as a pet sitter, they cost me nothing. While I prioritize TrustedHousesitters, exploring options like rover for sitters or petbacker near me can open up even more opportunities for those looking to diversify their pet sitting assignments.
It’s not to say my annual expenses are zero. I typically cover my own food and toiletries, and I’ve spent about $2,300 on “bridge stays”—hotels or Airbnbs—in between sits over the past year. However, I’m spending significantly less than I used to, all while exploring so many beautiful places.
Laptop screen showing the TrustedHousesitters website, a popular platform for individuals looking to work as a pet sitter and find house sitting opportunities.
Beyond the Benefits: Community and Challenges When You Work as a Pet Sitter
The financial advantages are compelling, but they’re not the only benefits. Since I started pet sitting, I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting many kind and creative individuals: weavers, writers, musicians, painters, tile artists, and more. Many are retired, living adventurously while cruising the Mediterranean or cycling through the hills of France.
One couple, who have since become friends, welcomed me to a pet sit with fresh negronis and a traditional Japanese hot pot dinner. They even curated several bottles of wine from their personal cellar for me and returned bearing thoughtful gifts at the end of my stay. I’ve pet sat for them on two occasions, and their energetic cattle dog, Wasabi, was a wonderful companion. He would nap nearby while I spent hours writing, until it was time for both of us to stretch our legs and head outside for a game of fetch. I’ll soon be returning for my third visit to this spectacular home overlooking the Salish Sea on Lummi Island, Washington. For those specifically looking to become a dog sitter, these types of relationships can be incredibly rewarding.
The least glamorous part of house sitting is undoubtedly the end-of-sit clean. As a perfectionist striving for a five-star review, I’ve learned the hard way to allocate ample time to restore the home to at least the condition I found it in, if not better.
A West Highland white terrier dog sitting alertly on a clean floor, representing the detailed care and attention pet sitters provide.
Once, I was almost finished vacuuming at the end of a 10-day sit with a handsome little West Highland white terrier who had the charming habit of ringing a bell when he needed to go outside. I had already logged 10,000 steps cleaning that morning, and the homeowners weren’t due back for at least another hour, so I stripped down to leggings and a sports bra to finish up. That’s when I heard the terrier barking – something he hadn’t done during my entire visit. I quickly ran downstairs and directly into the homeowners, whom I had never met before. Awkward! Shortly thereafter, in my embarrassment, I accidentally walked off with their mail key and had to FedEx it back the following week.
Is Working as a Pet Sitter Right for You?
Despite the occasional awkward moment, the pros of this house and pet sitting life continue to far outweigh the cons for me. The luxurious homes, the significantly reduced cost of living, and the constant stream of new experiences are all wonderful bonuses. But at its core, this lifestyle is truly about the profound satisfaction of building trust with animals, ensuring they stay out of stressful kennels, and providing their humans with invaluable peace of mind while they’re away.
Working as a pet sitter isn’t for everyone; it demands adaptability, responsibility, and a genuine love for animals. However, for me, the ability to travel extensively while providing a service that I find deeply fulfilling is truly a dream come true. If you’re considering a similar path, or simply looking for ways to enhance your pet’s care, explore more articles on Dog Care Story for valuable insights and tips!
